Method and system for providing reply-controlled discontinuous reception

Abstract

A method, receiving device, network element, system and computer program product for controlling discontinuous reception at a receiving device of a communication network are disclosed. A regular discontinuous reception cycle of a discontinuous reception scheme is set, and this regular discontinuous reception cycle is switched to a shorter temporary discontinuous reception cycle or is switched off, in response to an event which triggers a reply of the communication network to the receiving device. Thereby, delays of network replies can be shortened or controlled in case discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles are implemented at the receiving device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention, according to various embodiments, relates to communications, and particularly, to controlling reception in a communication network.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Discontinous reception (DRX) is a method used in communication networks to conserve battery energy of receiving devices, e.g., mobile devices or user equipment (UE). The UE and the network negotiate phases in which data transfer happens. During other times the device turns its receiver off and enters into a low-power state.[0003]One major aspect affecting the UE stand-by time is the possibility to inactivate the UE receiver circuitry. In the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Radio Access Network (UTRAN), this is mainly utilized in paging states, where the UE is listening periodically to the paging channel. DRX period(s) and triggers / timers which result in DRX are typically configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) functionality. Alternatively, the network may dir...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Therefore, there is a need to provide a method and system for controlling discontinous reception (DRX), by means of which the downlink delay associated with the DRX period can be reduced.

[0020]Accordingly, reply delays can be shortened or controlled in case DRX cycles are implemented, e.g., in the active mode of the receiving device. Long DRX cycles (e.g., in the order of few seconds) can thus be maintained, which are attractive for example in the active mode in order to avoid transitions between idle mode and active mode for power saving purposes. With such long DRX cycles it is possible to achieve good power saving even if the receiving device is continuously in active mode.

[0021]Additionally, a simple solution to the above problem can be provided, according to certain embodiments of the invention, by having the receiving device enter a pre-determined and rather short DRX cycle for a certain time interval after the reply-triggering event. This could also mean that the receiving device stops using DRX for a certain time.

Problems solved by technology

In this regard, a problem arises as there are so far no thoughts about how to handle the combination of having a packet switched connection with some varying (possibly long) DRX period, and thereby varying response time in DL from network to UE in situations where UE sends a measurement report.

This means that there will be a delay in DL for the network before it is able to reach the UE with a possible HO command, wherein the delay depends on the current DRX period.

The delay in the HO procedure caused by the delay in transferring the HO command to the UE may have unwanted side-effects and impact on network planning.

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